Reading Tire Wear Patterns
Modern tire construction has generally trended toward low aspect ratio tire casings with more flexible sidewalls and rigid treads. Although this type of construction has made tires less sensitive to negative camber angles used in many current steering geometry designs, many types of tire wear patterns continue to indicate problems in a vehicle’s steering geometry.
Building Oil Change Profits One Job At A Time
Gary Goms defends the oil and filter change, but suggests introducing the term, “recommended maintenance interval,” and explains how shops can capitalize on profitable lubrication, drivetrain, filter, lighting, battery and tooling services in the process.
Tips To Follow When Servicing Toyota Brakes
If you are replacing a caliper that has locked up and created a great deal of heat, you should also replace the brake hose. This is a good practice anytime, but particularly important with the Toyota line as there have been some instances of the hose failing at the caliper fitting after being subjected to the extreme heat.
Identifying The Toughest Wheel Bearing Jobs
Some wheel bearing jobs are easy. These are typically unitized hub units. All that is required is removing the caliper, rotor, axle nut and the four bolts holding on the unit. Some wheel bearing jobs can take as many as three hours and require removal of the knuckle from the vehicle. Collected in this article are some of the most difficult vehicles as reported by technicians, labor guides and bearing manufacturers.
Digital Edition of May ImportCar Magazine Is Now Available
Access the easy-to-view digital version that features articles on performing 4WD/AWD Hub Service on Kias, Drum Brake Service, Parasitic Draw Testing With a Voltmeter, Air Ride Systems, a host of tech tips on import nameplates, and more! Plus, Get Instant Access to Advertisers and Product Information Through Our “Rapid Response” Program!
Preventive Maintenance: When Should Fluids Be Replaced?
Unfortunately, many shops have been accused of over-selling fluid maintenance services. For example, I had a customer who, for whatever reason, preferred to have his vehicle serviced at an out-of-town fast lube shop. Although his vehicle recently had the automatic transmission replaced, the fast-lube shop insisted on selling him a transmission fluid flush. Not only did they sell him the first transmission flush, they attempted to sell him a second flush on a later visit.
Tech Tips: Toyota Tacoma Makes Rattling Noises On Rough Roads
Some 2005-’12 model year 4WD Tacoma and 2WD Tacoma PreRunner vehicles may exhibit a steering rattle noise when driven over rough road surfaces.
Tech Feature: Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus Topology
At the typical repair shop, six-year-old vehicles (and there are 184 million of them on the road today) are some of the most common vehicles driving into the bays. And, since these vehicles are out of warranty, they will fuel service opportunities for the aftermarket and require more attention from independent repair shops like yours. In particular, one growing service area is diagnostics, especially as it relates to the expanding electronic content in today’s vehicles.
Dorman’s February New Product Announcement Features More Than 450 Parts
Dorman Products has released its February New Product Announcement, featuring 456 new parts, 64 of which are exclusive formerly “Dealer Only” parts.
Tech Tip: Kia Intermittent Hard Steering On Sorentos
This bulletin provides information relating to the service of the vehicle speed sensor and adapter cord. Sorento EX vehicles produced before Oct. 6, 2004, may intermittently have variations in the level of power assist during driving or parking. Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1012 may be stored in the EPS control module.